13 posts categorized "Animals: Birds"

May 04, 2010

International Migratory Bird Day

Before I moved to Chicago last year, I said goodbye to the birds on the shores of Seattle’s Union Bay. Chicago is so large that I figured I’d be fortunate to see more than pigeons in-between skyscrapers. Sometimes it’s good to be wrong.

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April 15, 2010

Penguin post - Nesting time

Penguin-Nesting It’s April 15, and you know what that means… it’s time to put nesting rocks in the penguin habitat! Thanks to a nutritious diet, a realistic landscape and exhibit lights that are timed to replicate seasonal changes in day length, the rockhopper penguins are going into mating mode. Each year around April 15, we begin scattering smooth river rocks, small enough to fit in a cupped hand or a penguin’s mouth, throughout the rocky exhibit. Pretty soon the males are picking them up and waddling them over to prime nesting real estate. One male has actually staked out two nest sites. Another, who has been stealing rocks from his neighbors, has constructed a nest in the center of the habitat. We’ve also put out twigs to encourage the two mated pairs of Magellanic penguins. This species nests under shrubs or in shallow sand burrows. The trainers say, however, that these birds are still pretty new to the habitat and may not feel settled in enough to breed this year. Meanwhile, the rockhoppers have decided that the twigs add a nice touch—or maybe feel—to their nests. While the birds are totally serious about this—and even more territorial than usual—it’s a lot of fun to watch. Visit soon!

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March 19, 2010

Blackbirds signal spring migration

Bird 3 In early March, my boss, Michelle Jost, arrived at work wearing a huge smile. She heard a red-winged blackbird trilling nearby; that call meant spring! But to other Shedd staffers, that call meant "duck!" The red-wings that reside in Shedd’s gardens are notoriously protective of their nests. If you’ve ever had a blackbird dive-bomb your head, you know why we keep a wary eye toward the sky at this time of year.

To birders like me, however, the blackbird call signifies an exciting time of year: The great spring bird migration has begun!  

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November 10, 2009

Fantasea is a "must sea!"

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The reviews are in and Fantasea is a "must sea!" Check out reviews in The Chicago Tribune, Southtown Star and WBBM radio.

Check out this video introducing the cast of Shedd's new aquatic show.



Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
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October 16, 2009

Oceanarium Reimagined: A Look Back

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Here's a look back at the renovation of the reimagined Oceanarium. Thanks for supporting Shedd and visit us soon!



Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
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October 08, 2009

Fantasea at Shedd Aquarium trailer

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Check out the official trailer for Fantasea, which debuts Oct. 16 at Shedd!



Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
 
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May 12, 2009

Oceanarium Animal Homecoming

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After nearly nine months “on vacation,” our beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and Alaska sea otters are back home. We’ve also welcomed new animals to the Oceanarium family, including two California sea lions, temperate-weather penguins, a new Pacific white-sided dolphin and a variety of Pacific Northwest fishes and invertebrates.

Animal care is our top priority. Whether they were moved by road, by air, or by a combination of the two, all of the animals traveled safely and quickly, thanks to careful planning and the training we did with them before they were moved.

Here are highlights of their journey back to Shedd.

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April 08, 2009

First Look at Polar Play Zone


Here's a look behind the scenes of the new Polar Play Zone, Shedds first permanent children's exhibit opening on May 22.

Learn more about the reimagined Oceanarium.

Posted by Bryan Schuetze, exhibit design

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March 24, 2009

Otters and Oil, 20 Years Later

Sea-otter-1 Twenty years ago this week the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling 11 million gallons of North Slope crude on 1,100 miles of pristine coastline. The immediate toll on wildlife was horrific.

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March 20, 2009

New Pics of Oceanarium Construction

March-main
 Whale harbor

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